IBSA eConnection: Celebrating baptisms, caring for your congregation, free tax guide, more

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Are you ready? How to always be ready to care for your congregation

Since pastors know ministry is full of surprises, there's no excuse for being caught off guard when a need arises. Just like superheroes wear their costume under their normal clothes, pastors always need to be ready to serve their people. Learn the five necessities for being ready at Pastoralized.com.

Free Ministers Tax Guide for 2012 returns

GuideStone's annual guide focuses on tax issues most likely to affect ministers and churches. It includes sample tax returns for both active and retired ministers. Church treasurers and other church leaders will find a valuable resource in the guide's special section about important federal requirements for churches. Get it now at GuideStone.org.

Don't forget, IBSA is hosting a Tax Seminar this Saturday! GuideStone's Rick Wells will present the seminar for pastors, church treasurers and other church leaders from 9 a.m. - noon at the IBSA Building. Learn more at IBSA.org.

8 ways to celebrate baptisms at your church

When a new believer is baptized, it's a momentous event. A life's been changed for eternity! It's a time of celebration for your entire church. Get eight ideas to make baptism a true celebration at IBSA.org.

Plus, learn how you can make your church's Baptism Service an evangelistic event at Baptism Celebration.org.

Simple ways your church can deal with disaster

When churches plan for disasters, it's always with the hope that the plans will be unnecessary. But if a disaster - be it a tornado, a fire, flooding, or something else - does strike your church, you'll be glad you've taken the following things into account. Learn more at ChurchSafety.com.

IBSA is offering disaster relief training this April, May and October. Get dates and additional information at IBSA.org.

Ladies, it's time to talk about mentoring

Whether you are 25 or 75, you are older than someone and have a biblical assignment to pour into the lives of women. Find out how you can be encouraged in your own mentoring responsibilities as well as equipped to help your women grasp the importance of this mandate! Learn more at LifeWay Women's All Access blog.

5 easy improvements for your worship service

IBSA's Worship and Music Ministries Director Steve Hamrick shares five easy ways you can improve your church's worship service. Find out how at IBSA.org.

You can also learn more about improving your technical worship ministry skills from Steve, by attending the Technical Ministries Workshop on Saturday, March 2. The workshop will include beginning and advanced training in sound and video technology. Get more information at IBSA.org.

IBSA eConnection is a weekly electronic newsletter designed to provide Illinois Baptists with relevant, useful information and resources. We pray it enriches your ministry and helps your church to grow and minister.